Haemorrhoid Treatment
If you think you may have haemorrhoids, it’s important that you chat to your GP, particularly if your symptoms are getting worse. Treatment for haemorrhoids is easier and less painful with early intervention.
Ask your doctor for a referral to see one of our experienced surgeons at Sunnybank Surgical for advice on treatments available.
What are haemorrhoids?
Haemorrhoids, also known as piles, are swollen veins in your anus or rectum. They can develop inside the rectum (internal haemorrhoids) or below the skin surrounding the anus (external haemorrhoids). Doctors usually grade haemorrhoids in severity from grade 1 – 4.
Haemorrhoids are common. Most people will experience haemorrhoids at some point in their lives. They are caused by a range of factors including activities or conditions that place increased pressure in the lower rectum, like:
chronic diarrhea
straining during bowel movements
spending too long on the toilet – due to reading or being on your phone
constipation – difficult to pass bowel movements cause straining
obesity
pregnancy – places extra pressure on the pelvic floor
having anal intercourse
eating a diet lacking in fibre
regular heavy lifting
In women, pregnancy is the most common cause of haemorrhoids due to increased pressure on the pelvic floor. If left untreated, haemorrhoids can get worse with subsequent pregnancies. For men, it is more likely that haemorrhoids are caused by straining on the toilet or spending too long on the toilet due to reading or being on your phone.
Should I have haemorrhoid surgery?
In terms of treatment for haemorrhoids, the earlier the better. Early treatment is often painless and can reduce size and severity of haemorrhoids. Treatment at later stages tends to be more painful. An experienced Colorectal Surgeon can help minimise the pain by reducing your ongoing symptoms and offering the best outcomes from surgery.
What is involved in haemorrhoid surgery?
Haemorrhoids can be treated using a range of procedures. Your surgeon will assess your condition and discuss your options to determine the best course of treatment for you. Common surgical treatments for haemorrhoids include:
Haemorrhoid banding
The least invasive treatment, this involves rubber bands being applied to the haemorrhoid to restrict blood flow to the area. Generally undertaken together with a colonoscopy, haemorrhoid banding causes the haemorrhoid to fall off within 4-7 days. This procedure is usually well tolerated but can occasionally cause a small amount of pain or the sensation of needing to pass a bowel movement. Usually, a mild painkiller like Panadol can address the issue.
Haemorrhoidectomy
This is a more invasive surgery and is performed under general anaesthesia in a hospital. Using an energy device, the haemorrhoid is removed. The affected area of the anal canal can be painful following surgery and takes 4–6 weeks to heal. While it is a more painful treatment, it is the most effective treatment for large haemorrhoids.
Haemorrhoid artery ligation
An alternative treatment to haemorrhoidectomy that uses a sonographic device to detect the blood flow and apply a suture to the haemorrhoid. Any prolapsing part of the haemorrhoid is then sutured into the anal canal. This procedure is only appropriate for some patients but can be less painful than a haemorrhoidectomy.
What is the recovery from haemorrhoid surgery?
Following your haemorrhoid surgery, you will be given a detailed information about what to expect with your recovery and how to best manage your pain. The goal will be to manage your pain while ensuring normal bowel movement and good wound care. Salt baths can help reduce your pain and keep the anal canal clean during healing.
Don’t delay seeking treatment for haemorrhoids. See your GP and ask for a referral to see an experienced Colorectal Surgeon at Sunnybank Surgical.
